How does social capital affect individual health among the elderly in rural China?—Mediating effect analysis of physical exercise and positive attitude

Abstract

Background The elderly in rural areas comprise over half of the older population in China, and their health problems are a matter of great concern for the Chinese government and society. Among the many factors affecting health, social capital has generated much interest in academic research. Exploring the relationship between social capital and individual health among the elderly in rural China provides ways to improve the health of Chinese people, which has a positive impact on policy. Methods We selected 3719 respondents from the 2016 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). Structural and cognitive social capital were obtained via exponentiation of variables (mean of zero and a standard deviation of one) and by giving them equal weight. Ordinary least squares (OLS) and two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimators were used to analyze the association between social capital and individual health. We explored the mechanism linking structural and cognitive social capital with individual health through a mediation effect analysis. Results After correcting for endogeneity bias, structural social capital had a positive correlation with individual health among the elderly, with a coefficient of 0.062 (95% CI: 0.020-0.104). Cognitive social capital also had a positive correlation with individual health, with a coefficient of 0.097 (95% CI: 0.060-0.135). Physical exercise and positive attitude were two significant mediating variables of the relationship between social capital and individual health in the study group, with mediating effects of 0.018 and 0.054, respectively. Conclusions Cognitive social capital played a stronger role than structural social capital in promoting individual health among the elderly. Physical exercise and positive attitude mediated the

Income Disparity and Mental Wellbeing among Adults in Semi-Urban and Rural Areas in Malaysia: The Mediating Role of Social Capital

“…A follow-up study in the United Kingdom also showed that inconsistent social contact increases the risk of isolation and depression among the older population [ 24 ]. Consistently, several other studies also showed that high social capital among older adults in rural areas results in better mental health status [ 25 , 26 ].…”

Association between social capital and sleep duration among rural older adults in China

“…Previous studies show that bonding social capital comprising a connection between community members is often stronger among rural older adults, resulting in higher level of interpersonal trust, reciprocity and community cohesion [29,30]. With the rapid urbanization and changes in family structure, older adults in rural areas need to face more obstacles to get care and support from family members (i.e., sons and daughters) who have increasingly migrated to urban areas for education and work opportunities [31,32]. Some of them relocate to the town or city with their family members, which would affect the social capital of rural older adults, thereby affecting their health.…”

Social Capital and Self-Perceived Quality of Life-Interrelated Predictors of Mediterranean Diet Adherence in Older Adults

“…With declining age, adherence to a healthy lifestyle becomes a complex endeavour hindered by multiple factors [ 19 , 20 ]. Other than access and knowledge, social support and the notion of Social Capital is increasingly recognised as an important element in determining the likelihood of adopting a healthy lifestyle in older age [ 19 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Social Capital as a notion describes the sense of belonging and being part of a supportive society that shares the same values and creates benefits for the individual and the society as a whole [ 26 ].…”